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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are superfoods and can they help me lose weight?

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Weight Management
    I have heard that certain fruits and vegetables are superfoods which can aid in weight loss. Is this true?
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    Courtney Bates

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Courtney is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Accredited Nutritionist (AN) and member of the Dietitians Australia. She runs her own online practice Healthy Bods Nutrition. … View Profile

    There is no one definition of what a ‘superfood’ is. To me, ‘superfoods’ are foods which are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3s or fibre compared to their kilojoule content. In other words, they are nutrient-dense. Trying to include these superfoods into your diet can be beneficial for weight loss, as it encourages you to choose healthier options and limit processed, high-sugar, high-saturated fat foods. 

    A healthy diet means choosing foods from all five food groups each day. Choosing the ‘superfoods’ from each food group simply means choosing the foods which give you the biggest nutritional benefit for each mouthful. Try adding these superfoods from each of the food groups into your diet to give your body a boost and protect you against chronic disease and ageing.

    VEGETABLES - broccoli, spinach, avocado
    FRUITS - blueberries
    GRAINS - quinoa, oats
    DAIRY - natural yoghurt with probiotics lactobacillus or acidophilus
    MEAT & PROTEIN FOODS - salmon, almonds, flaxseeds

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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Great answer from Courtney! Just to add, the term “superfood” can get people a little confused. With so many different foods out there (and new ones becoming available) some clients can find it hard to make healthy dietary choices. Natural and simple superfoods can be obtained by including a wide variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables (the brighter the better). Some examples include:

    • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
    • Vegetables (avocado, broccoli, spinach)

    Other food group sources of vital nutrients include:

    • Wholegrains (quinoa, oats, barley, buckwheat)
    • Dairy (natural or greek yoghurts with probiotics)
    • Meat alternatives (salmon, nuts and seeds such as chia seeds and flaxseeds)

    For more information on how to include the above “superfoods” into your diet look no further than an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). You can find an APD at www.daa.asn.au 

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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    My impression is that “superfood” is often just used as a marketing label.

    I think that both Courtney and Chris, as clinical health professionals, have offered you excellent advice about healthy eating.

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